IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

D0405.3 - Status of the tourism satellite account in South Africa

Tourism is a phenomenon which has grown substantially during the decades as an economic and social activity. However, statistical information on the nature, progress and consequences of tourism is presently mainly based on quantitative statistics such as arrivals in the country, overnight stays and values hidden in certain macro-economic aggregates (i.e. private and public consumption), which can only be detected and unveiled by expert analysis. As a consequence, the public, policy-makers and other stakeholders may not be receiving accurate information relating to tourism. Given the difficulties of defining and measuring the size of tourism and the need to have accurate information about its size and structure, the UN recommends the development of a tourism satellite account. This discussion document discusses the current status of the tourism satellite account for South Africa.

National accounts

Published: 2005

Discussion document